On July 4, we headed up to Mount Evans. I had not seen mountain goats before, so this was an opportunity to find the goats. We arrived at Summit Lake about 8am. After walking a few yards from the parking lot, I spotted the first mountain goat on the skyline.
Mountain Goat On Skyline
Further along trail, overlooking Chicago Lake, I noticed some more mountain goats. This included a family, with mother and two kids. So I decided to stay put and sit down to see what developed. After a few minutes, the goats became used to my presence. Mother goat climbed up towards me. Here, she is against the deep blue background of Chicago Lake.
Mother Mountain Goat
Mother goat continued to climb upwards until she stopped about 20 feet away, staring at me.
Mountain Goat Stare
Here is mother with two kids. Those two goats in the background appeared to be immature goats. Perhaps they are family from last season, since they continued to hang around mother.
Mountain Goat Family
Soon a pair of hikers arrived with a pair of dogs. The dogs starting chasing the goats, who then scattered. Several mountain goats had lined up along a ridge. Turning around, the goats were backlit by the sun. This group of goats (including four kids), were viewing the action below them.
Mountain Goat Skyline
We headed back home about 10:30, just as the crowds starting arriving.